The developmental chain is so arranged that all of Netzach-Hod-Yesod of every upper Partzuf are themselves the mental powers of the Partzuf below it. However, the order whereby the Partzufim are clothed in one another follows a different arrangement.
This distinction makes it possible to resolve an apparent contradiction in the teachings of the ARI of blessed memory. In one place Yesod of Atik is said to end in Yesod of Arich Anpin (Etz Chayim, Shaar Arich Anpin ch. 1). Elsewhere, however, we find that Yesod of Atik ends in Tiferet of Arich Anpin (ibid. Shaar HaMelachim ch. 4). How the seeming contradiction is resolved will be explained in the next Opening.